Entry requirements

Organizing your trip

Means of transport recommended in town

Means of public transport are not well developed. There are only two metro lines and the tram network is very old. On the other hand, it is relatively easy to travel by bus, even if they are often packed out.
It is better to take a taxi. In this case, collective taxis (dolmus) are a good compromise.Click here to learn more.

Means of transport recommended in the rest of the country

The national railway company links the main towns in Turkey, but the train is very slow and the network antiquated. Buses, which cover the whole country or almost, are very comfortable. All the main cities are served by domestic flights, it is the best way to travel to distant cities or those not served by the motorways. Click here for further information.

Visiting

Different forms of tourism

Historical: The first known urban community in the world, the town of Çatalhöyük, dates from 6500 BC and is located in Turkey. From then to our day and age, Turkey has prided itself on civilizations which have crossed the centuries and made of the country a paradise of cultural wealth. Not only are ruins and unique remains witnesses to these centuries, but Turkey's contemporary history is fascinating, especially the work of Atatürk.

Cultural: Istanbul is full of markets, palaces and mosques. The shores of the Aegean Sea shelter archeological sites of leading importance, especially the ancient Greek cities of Ephesus, Pergamon and Troy.
Go Turkey Official Tourism Portal of Turkey

Nature: A blend of Mediterranean landscapes and oriental steppes, Turkey is characterized by mountainous lands, crossed by rivers and lakes, bordered by bathing coasts, both ancient and pastoral, and also spiked in the east by the volcano, Mount Ararat, and in the center by the Taurus mountains. Those who enjoy the unusual will be attracted to the coast of the Black Sea which stretches from Amasra to Trabzon. You can also admire some of nature's wonders such as Cappadocia and Pamukkale. To learn more...

Religious: Greco-Roman sites are very numerous in Turkey and it is here you find the origins of Christianity. There are, of course, magnificent mosques, the most well-known of which are the Blue Mosque and Suleymaniye and also churches, vestiges of the Byzantine Empire, including the famous Hagia Sophia.

Thermal: An ideal destination for spas, thalassotherapy and water cures. You will be steeped in tradition and you will benefit from an unequalled quality of care. Situated on an important natural geothermal belt, from which comes the expression "Turkish bath", you will plunge into the heart of hot springs whose benefits were already renowned in Antiquity.

Beach: Turkey has a multitude of seaside resorts and beaches in a protected natural paradise environment. You will find many water sports activities on dreamy beaches and a great variety of other sporting activities (sailing, diving...). In Turkey many resorts and beaches have obtained the blue flag.

Winter sports: With its high mountains, covered with snow in summer and winter alike, and its top of the range resorts, Turkey is an important center for winter tourism, ideal for all sports which involve sliding or gliding, and extreme sports. On average there are 3m of snow all winter. You can practise Alpine skiing, mountain climbing and trekking.

Shopping: The bazaars of Istanbul and other large cities in Turkey are fascinating: pleasure for the eyes with refined, high-quality craftsmanship, pleasure for the senses with spices and unusual scents. Big modern shopping malls are side by side with traditional markets.

Living conditions

Health and safety

Health precautions: There is no obligatory vaccination. It is necessary to update your diphtheria - tetanus - poliomyelitis vaccination. Other vaccinations which can be advisable (according to conditions of hygiene and the length of your stay): typhoid fever, viral hepatitis A and B. There are sporadic outbreaks of malaria in the south-east of the country. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, transmitted by ticks, is present mainly in central Anatolia and on the Black Sea coast. In Turkey, water and food born diseases are presents. Medical facilities are available, but may be limited outside urban area.

Eating

Food specialties: Turkish cuisine is well known internationally. It is renowned for its varied, spicy dishes.
Among the many Turkish specialties, we can name the famous kebabs (roast beef or chicken), Lahmacun (ground meat pizza), Cacik (a cold soup), aubergine specialties (Karniyarik and Patlican Tava) and oriental pastries: Baklava and Kadayif.

Drinks: Ayran, based on yoghurt, is the traditional drink. Turks are also keen on tea (Cay) and coffee (very strong).
There is very good locally produced beer and an aniseed spirit called Raki.